News Summary
The Jacksonville community is mourning the loss of Stephen G. ‘Jerry’ Norton, a respected engineer and dedicated community servant who passed away at the age of 93. Known for his impact in youth sports and contributions to the local community, Jerry’s legacy will continue to inspire many. He was also a talented writer and artist, having authored multiple books and created an extensive body of artwork. A Celebration of Life service is planned to honor his remarkable life.
Jacksonville, Florida Mourns the Loss of Community Giant Stephen G. “Jerry” Norton at 93
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Stephen G. “Jerry” Norton, an esteemed engineer and devoted community advocate, who left us on the morning of October 4, 2025, at the impressive age of 93. Jerry lived in Jacksonville, Florida, where he made an indelible mark on both the field of engineering and his local community.
A Life Well Lived
Jerry was born in New Rochelle, NY, in 1931 to Clyde A. Norton Sr. and Eva Vidal. His early years were spent in New York and on Long Island, where he likely developed the character and work ethic that would define his life. He pursued his higher education at St. Lawrence University until he was drafted into the US Army Signal Corps from 1952 to 1954. It was during this vital time that Jerry married Anne DeCandido and was stationed in the South Pacific at Enewetok, where he experienced one of the first hydrogen bomb tests.
Engineering Career and Community Impact
After concluding his military service, Jerry earned his degree in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University. This educational background paved the way for a formidable 40-year career at Grumman Aerospace, where he dedicated himself to developing complex airborne radar systems for the US Navy and Air Force. Alongside his illustrious career, Jerry raised three sons: Scott, David, and Chris. His family values were reflected in his commitment to his community as a devoted scoutmaster from 1972 to 1976, along with coaching his children’s football and baseball teams.
Jerry’s contributions to youth sports were significant. As a past president, officer, and coach of St. Patrick’s youth league from 1966 to 1986, he was awarded the Community Service Award from the Town of Huntington, NY, in 1982. In 1987, his career took him south to Florida, where he served as the director of engineering at Grumman Melbourne System.
Retirement and Passion Projects
After retiring in 1992, Jerry moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, where he dove headfirst into activities like boating, golf, and tennis. However, his passion for community service didn’t slow down. He continued to coach Pop Warner in Ponte Vedra and became an active sports reporter for the Ponte Vedra Recorder. In 2010, Jerry played a key role in establishing the Junior Development League (JDL) program which prioritized player participation and enjoyment. This successful initiative has been adopted in other communities in Jacksonville and St. Augustine.
Among his accolades, Jerry received the Chamber of Commerce Local Hero Award in 1995, followed by the Art of Giving Award in 2022 from the First Coast Cultural Center of Florida.
Artistic Endeavors
Fittingly, Jerry was also a talented writer and artist. He began his writing career with technical pieces and expanded to think-pieces on youth sports, authoring well-received books like “Mom, Can I Play Football?”, “Unintended Consequences: How Adults Took Fun Out of Youth Sports”, “Why? Born with a Purpose”, and “Am I Old Yet?-89 and Counting”.
Jerry turned to painting as a therapeutic outlet amidst chronic pain caused by medical issues from radiation exposure as an atomic veteran. He created over 500 pieces of art, compiling them into themed picture books like “Faces in American History” and “Music Makers”. His artwork not only reflects his rich life experiences but also serves as a source of inspiration for others to pursue their passions, regardless of age.
A Legacy of Love
Jerry was preceded in death by several loved ones, including his first wife Anne and his eldest son Scott. He is survived by his sons David and Christopher (Christine) and his beloved granddaughter Emily. Jerry’s impact on those around him will be remembered fondly.
Join us in honoring the life of a truly remarkable man. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Hardage-Giddens St Johns Funeral Home in St Johns, Florida. Guests are invited to arrive from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM and will be treated to light refreshments at 12:00 PM.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Stephen Norton Obituary
- Jacksonville Progress: Steven Norton Sells STS Electronic Recycling
- Legacy.com: Kenneth Norton Obituary
- PopMatters: Louden Swain – There’s Rub Premiere
- Jacksonville.com: Recent Real Estate Transactions in Northeast Florida
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Google Search: Stephen Norton Jacksonville
- Google Scholar: Stephen Norton
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Stephen Norton
- Google News: Stephen Norton
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
